Jun 14, 2026
Are you willing to make budget trade-offs to get involved in this summer’s FIFA World Cup? New survey data suggests many Canadians are doing just that.
A new PayPal-commissioned survey found that 44% of Canadians would cut back on discretionary spending elsewhere to attend matches or take part in tournament-related activities. Among Gen Z respondents, that figure rises to 63%.
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“For Gen Z, this tournament isn’t just about watching the action; it’s about being part of it,” said Michael Covin, enterprise sales director at PayPal Canada, in a statement. “Whether that’s travelling to a match, hosting a watch party or finding creative ways to fund the experience, younger Canadians are showing they’re willing to spend money on moments and memories that matter most.”
Dining out and shopping are among the first expenses Canadians would cut
The survey suggests some Canadians are looking to redirect money from everyday discretionary purchases toward World Cup-related experiences.
Among self-identified soccer fans, dining out was the most common sacrifice. Nearly one-third (31%) said they would cut back on restaurant spending to free up money for the tournament.
Social activities also ranked high on the list, with 27% saying they would spend less on going out with friends. Another 21% said they would cut back on non-essential shopping.
For many households, fixed costs such as housing, utilities and debt payments leave limited room to manoeuvre, making restaurants, entertainment and shopping the most likely places to trim spending when something else takes priority.
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Canadians are still willing to spend on experiences that matter
While many respondents said they would cut back in some areas, they were also clear about where they planned to spend.
Food and snacks topped the list, with 64% saying they expect to spend money on game-day essentials. Nearly half (48%) plan to spend at restaurants or sports bars, while 41% expect to spend on watch parties and other social gatherings.
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Travel costs are also part of the equation. Among Canadians who identify as tournament fans, 42% said they would spend on accommodations and 41% on travel packages connected to the event.
The results demonstrate that while many are watching their summer budgets closely, there is still a willingness to spend on experiences, travel and opportunities to connect with friends and family.
Younger Canadians are making the biggest trade-offs
Unsurprisingly, the strongest spending intentions around the World Cup comes from younger Canadians.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Gen Z respondents said they would make financial cutbacks to participate in World Cup-related activities, well above the national average of 44%.
More than one in five Gen Z respondents (21%) said they would take on extra work or a side hustle to help pay for tournament-related expenses, while 15% said they would be willing to exceed their normal budget for the chance to be part of the event.
The survey also found younger Canadians are more likely to make the tournament a shared social experience, whether that’s gathering at someone’s home, attending a watch party or travelling with friends and family.
For many fans, the World Cup appears to be the kind of event people are willing to plan around financially. And with summer budgets stretched, spending doesn’t necessarily disappear — it simply shifts toward the experiences people value most.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
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